Portugal Real Estate and Homes for Sale in Portugal

Portugal real estate is a hot topic at the moment, having become one of the most appealing property markets for owning property, outperforming several established markets in the EU.

Whether you’re looking for a new home or an investment opportunity, purchasing a property is a big step that takes careful consideration, especially if you are considering a mortgage loan for your dream property. Firstly, carefully determine what you want –whether it’s a bright, spacious apartment in Lisbon or a spacious villa in the Algarve– before beginning your search.

In this comprehensive guide to Portugal’s real estate market, we provide an in-depth overview of the real estate investments market before offering insights into property prices, the prime locations to consider, and predictions for the future.

Portugal's Real Estate Market

Portugal has a growing economy (the country’s GDP is expected to grow by 1.8 percent in 2025 in the Schengen Area, according to the European Commission), low mortgage loan rates, and a dynamic and evolving real estate market.

Portuguese real estate is expanding, and while Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve once largely received all the attention, the real estate market is opening up, with more buyers looking to buy in the beautiful Alentejo region or the largely untouched Northern Portugal. This presents as alluring opportunity for investors seeking to buy affordable properties in up-and-coming regions.

Portugal house prices have been increasing gradually since 2013 and more steeply in the last six years or so. This has been the result of a combination of factors that center on increased demand, due to:

• Increased foreign interest from investors, retirees, young professionals, and families
• Tourism is booming, expected to grow by 9 percent in 2025, and closed 2024 with 27 billion euros in tourist revenue.

The Portuguese real estate market is transparent and welcoming to foreign buyers, making it easy to purchase property without restrictions. 

Portugal’s real estate map

Portugal market forecast and economic factors

Portugal’s property market is expected to keep growing through 2025, thanks to solid economic conditions, steady foreign demand, and a strong recovery in commercial real estate.

Good news for buyers and investors as Portugal continues to attract international attention. According to a 2024 Ernst & Young survey:

• 84 percent of foreign investors plan to expand or set up operations in Portugal by 2025
• 77 percent believe Portugal’s appeal will grow even more over the next three years, which is well above the Eurozone average of 67 percent.
  2025 is shaping up to be a strong year in terms of sales volume and property prices. As the market matures, things may level out slightly by 2026, but the outlook remains positive.

Commercial real estate had a big start to the year, with investment up 151 percent in Q1 2025 compared to the same time last year. Total investment hit €651 million, with these sectors leading the way:

• Retail: €385.5 million (59 percent)
• Hospitality: €155.7 million (24 percent)
• Offices: €88 million (13 percent)
• Logistics: €24 million (4 percent)

Portugal tourism is projected to grow 9 percent in 2025, which means demand for hospitality spaces, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and rising destinations, will stay strong. Meanwhile, office and logistics spaces are also gaining interest, particularly in northern Portugal, where developers are eyeing future growth.

However, Portugal’s real estate boom is increasingly encountering structural limits on new housing supply.

In urban centers like Lisbon and Porto, the pipeline for residential development is hindered by zoning delays, strict heritage preservation laws, and a complex array of municipal permitting rules that complicate large-scale projects.

Lisbon’s Câmara Municipal (City Hall) has prioritized urban rehabilitation over new construction, offering tax incentives for restoring existing buildings while imposing limits on high-rise or high-density developments.

Although this approach supports architectural conservation, it also reduces the number of new housing units entering the market, particularly in neighborhoods with high investor interest.

Coastal and protected areas, such as Comporta and parts of the Algarve, face additional restrictions due to environmental zoning laws. These regulations limit land use and building density, creating scarcity in the very areas that attract foreign buyers.

Key property trends and the future of Portugal’s real estate market in 2025

The Portuguese economy has shown strength in its recovery from its recession and financial crisis. The most significant property trend in Portugal in recent years has been regarding demand outstripping supply, particularly in the major Portuguese cities.

In 2025, it is predicted that the Portuguese economy will continue on an upward trajectory, albeit against political and economic uncertainties both within Portugal and on a global scale.

Interest rates have fallen, which will likely bring about more favorable market conditions, attracting more non-citizen buyers to make a real estate investment in Portugal in 2025 and beyond.

The Portuguese real estate market offers various investment opportunities, including residential properties, commercial ventures, and land development, making it popular with a range of investors.

The diversity of buyers is staggering, with retirees, young professionals, families, and investors each setting their sights on Portugal. When it comes to nationalities, more Americans than ever before are purchasing Portuguese real estate.

Portugal saw the number of Americans in Portugal increase sevenfold between 2017 and 2024, according to the US Embassy, based on records from the Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA).

Types of Properties in Portugal

Whatever property type you are looking for, you will likely find it in Portugal. There is a diverse range of houses in Portugal for sale, from modern apartments in Lisbon and Porto to charming countryside houses in the Douro Valley and contemporary villas in the Algarve. Here are just a few of the property types you can find in Portugal.

• Spacious houses and mansions
• Modern apartments
• Historic townhouses
• Beachfront properties
• Villas
• Luxury real estate
• Equestrian properties, country houses, and farms

Portugal houses for sale: Luxury real estate

Discerning international buyers and non residents seeking opulence will find an array of luxury properties in Portugal. From sprawling mansions with lush gardens to high-end penthouses with city views, these residences cater to refined tastes. Luxury houses for sale in Portugal are becoming increasingly sought-after by foreigners. Exclusive amenities like golf courses, premium finishes, and prime locations define Portugal’s allure as a destination for luxury living.

Buying Opportunities in Portugal's Current Market

Portugal’s real estate market in 2025 presents a distinct mix of scarcity, momentum, and long-term upside—making it particularly compelling for foreign buyers seeking lifestyle, yield, or capital preservation. However, Portugal is not a “cheap” market anymore—but it remains undervalued relative to its global peers when considering lifestyle, tax efficiency, and market fundamentals.

Here’s where the smart money is going in Portugal right now—and why:

• Tight supply, steady demand: Despite a softer pace of transactions in early–mid 2025, prices are still trending up nationally and remain strongest in popular areas like Lisbon and Porto, according to RICS/Ci and Idealista data.
• Policy is redistributing demand: Lisbon continues to suspend new Alojamento Local (short-term rental) licenses, pushing many units toward mid/long-term lets—good news for yield buyers who can operate legally.
• Golden Visa shift: Real estate purchases no longer qualify (since Oct 2023), which has channeled more investor attention to commercial and lifestyle-driven acquisitions.

With that in mind, where to look (for now) to make a property purchase in Portugal depends on what you want to achieve:

• Prime urban, long-term rental plays (Lisbon/Porto). With STR caps intact, focus on A+ locations near transport and universities. Lisbon asking prices sit ~€5,700–€6,400/m²—pricey but supported by depth of demand; target value in secondary neighborhoods with quick metro access.
• Secondary cities with momentum (Braga, Coimbra, Évora). Lower entry prices and growing knowledge/tech bases create room for both yield and appreciation as buyers are priced out of Lisbon/Porto. This trend is supported by national surveys signaling continued 12-month price optimism.
• Coastal lifestyle markets (Algarve, Cascais/Estoril, Comporta). Scarcity and high international demand underpin pricing; hospitality-led investment continues to attract capital, supporting nearby residential values.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help

As a local buyer’s agent with local market knowledge, Goldcrest provides insightful real estate expertise and helps you with your property investment strategy. From sourcing to property acquisition, we help clients identify outstanding investment opportunities in some of Portugal’s finest locations. Goldcrest has access to property listings and new listings you won’t find elsewhere in the market, helping you find Portuguese real estate that meets your exact requirements.

Exploring Portugal's Real Estate for Sale: Country Guide

Determining where to buy real estate is an important step when looking at Portuguese real estate and determining what will be a sound property investment for you. It just so happens that location is key when purchasing a property.

Due to the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, from the serene Silver Coast to the bustling city of Lisbon, Portugal offers a variety of lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of finding the right location to search for your dream home. Established areas for investing in real estate include Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and Cascais, although emerging regions and cities like the Silver Coast, Setúbal, Sintra, Aveiro, and Évora are increasingly proving popular.

Lisbon: The hip capital

For many starting their search, the first city that comes to mind is Lisbon. Lisbon’s real estate market is an attractive place to buy property. The city has parks, gardens, museums, cafés, and restaurants. Coupled with its symbolic river and monuments, the capital city offers a blend of historical, traditional, and modern properties for sale. If a swimming pool in the city isn’t enough to cool you down, the Lisbon coast offers access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

In fact, the Lisbon coast is great for those looking for a mix of city and coastal lifestyles. Known as the city of light, Lisbon is a unique, thriving city with great public transport and diverse, quality property options for the buyer. A popular location for expats in Portugal, Lisbon offers everything you need when moving abroad.

Cascais: The ideal seaside town

Cascais, a seaside town on Portugal’s Estoril Coast, is arguably the perfect location in Europe for lifestyle buyers. Cascais real estate provides unrivaled luxury. Just a short 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Cascais offers historic villas with outrageous ocean views and modern apartments nestled in the charming town center.

The real estate market reflects a mix of traditional Portuguese architecture and contemporary designs, appealing to those seeking a luxurious yet authentic living experience. With gorgeous beaches, a mild climate, world-class restaurants, and plenty of activities to get involved with, from watersports to golf, you are well covered. The beautiful Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is also on your doorstep.

Algarve: The coastal dream

Another fantastic location to start your Portugal search is the Algarve. Best known for its heavenly beaches, internationally acclaimed golf courses, and an inspiring combination of mountain and ocean views, the Algarve has it all in terms of property types. It’s also the perfect place to find your dream home with a sea view.

Whether you consider buying a property in the Algarve’s picturesque fishing villages or near the exclusive luxury resorts, warm, sun-filled days are usually guaranteed in this beautiful region dedicated to leisure and the art of living well. Many properties in the Algarve will include a swimming pool, plus the Atlantic Ocean is close at hand, should you prefer a dip in the sea.

The Algarve also offers one of the most exclusive European markets for luxury property. You can find top properties like luxury villas for sale, and you can rent your property out by the coastline to tourists for much of the year. Regarded as one of the best destinations to own a holiday home, the Algarve offers great returns on your investment due to its bustling tourism industry.

Porto: Iconic and artistic

If you’re searching for more affordable areas in Portugal, cities like Porto are great places to look for an investment property or your dream home. Around every street corner in Porto, you’ll come across enchanting cobblestone streets, brightly colored buildings, and traditional culinary gems. For nature seekers, you’ll find that the city is located near the coastline and the Douro River, which flows through the middle of Porto.

There are plenty of parks, gardens, and green spaces in and around the city, making Porto an ideal destination for owning a luxury property. Fast becoming the ‘it’ destination to find Portugal homes for sale, Porto’s real estate prices are more affordable than in Lisbon, with strong market demand and growth.

Another advantage of having a property in Porto and Lisbon – plus Faro in the Algarve – is that they each have an international airport. This is particularly handy if you’re a keen traveler and want to visit nearby destinations easily. For nature lovers, you’ll also have the Douro Valley on your doorstep, home to some of the best vineyards in the world.

The Alentejo: The rural escape

The Alentejo region is a place of true beauty, largely untouched by the traps of modern life. The Alentejo real estate market is an excellent place to find your dream home in the depths of nature. You’ll find a range of property types, from countryside villas to homes with stunning ocean views.

The Alentejo region is an attractive place to invest in. Instead of searching for Portuguese homes with a swimming pool, you can discover property for sale in coastal regions that offer convenient access to stunning beaches, allowing you to bask in warm weather for a significant portion of the year. Many properties are available for sale or rent, including apartments, townhouses, villas, country homes, and beach houses.

The Alentejo is one of the more affordable parts of the country, where you can buy a Portugal house at a much cheaper rate than you can expect to find in the Algarve. Évora, Elvas, Coimbra, and Aveiro are good starting points. Moreover, more tourists are looking outside the country’s hotspot locations of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve to enjoy the beauty of Portugal’s countryside, making investments in the Alentejo and other lesser-known areas, such as the North of the country and the Silver Coast, increasingly attractive investment options.

For those seeking exclusivity, the coveted towns of Comporta and Melides can be found on the Alentejo Coast. With their unique blend of luxury, high-end amenities, and in embracing the local architecture, many celebrities have come to call this corner of Portugal home, including fashion designer Christian Louboutin and Italian actress Monica Bellucci.

The Silver Coast: Unrivalled sea views

If you are dreaming of the perfect beach location but also want to soak up an authentic Portuguese lifestyle, then the Silver Coast is the place for you. Situated between Lisbon and Porto on the west coast, you’ll find an array of quaint little villages and towns, pristine beaches, stunning landforms, and excellent seafood. Towns such as Nazaré, Peniche, and Ericeira are each excellent locations – and favorites with surfers – and where the local way of life still permeates. If you are looking for a quieter option than the Algarve, yet no less beautiful, then the Silver Coast could be the perfect spot.

The islands: Madeira and the Azores

Investing in real estate in Madeira and the Azores, the two Portuguese autonomous islands, presents a compelling opportunity due to their unique blend of natural beauty, high quality of life, and growing tourism industries. While both are unique in their own way, each boasts stunning landscapes, offering a tranquil lifestyle amidst lush greenery and scenic coastlines. Additionally, the islands’ relative isolation has shielded them from over-tourism, making them attractive to those seeking a peaceful retreat.

You can find out more about Madeira in our article on Madeira real estate, while for more information on the Azores, our article on Azores real estate has you covered.

Where do people live in Portugal?

People from different walks of life tend to have different preferences regarding real estate. Many Brits buy in the Algarve, for example, although Americans and other Europeans have increasingly been snapping up properties here over the past decade or so.

When it comes to nationalities snapping up Portuguese real estate for sale, French and Brazilian nationals tend to invest in Porto, while German buyers are well-represented in Faro and Lisbon.

Finding homes for sale in Portugal

Since Portugal is so diverse, it is recommended that you do some research first to find out where exactly you want to buy real estate in Portugal— in a family-friendly neighborhood, by the coast, or inland? In the sun-drenched south or the green north?

Use websites to investigate new real estate listings and get an idea of what is available where. A quick search for “real estate Portugal” or “homes for sale Portugal” will provide you with a nice overview of the market, different locations, and ballpark prices, after which you can get in touch with a real estate professional to further refine which part of Portugal is best for you.

When choosing the location where you plan to buy Portuguese real estate, consider lifestyle preferences, public transport, nearby schools and hospitals, and proximity to international airports.

Lifestyle in Portugal

The continued boom of expats looking to set up shop and buy real estate in Portugal is attributed to many reasons. From the country’s delectable cuisine to pristine beaches, from a diverse range of landscapes to a lower cost of living, there are many reasons to consider living in Portugal.

And this is without mentioning the sublime climate and the welcoming locals. Another major plus is that English is spoken very well, particularly in the key cities and the Algarve.

To sum up, some of the key pull factors for expats are:

1. Sublime weather
2. Top-quality education
3. Natural beauty
4. Safety and security
5. Gastronomy
6. Excellent healthcare
7. Lower costs of living
8. Cultural richness
9. High quality of life
10. English-speaking locals

Practical Information on Portugal

In this section, we delve into essential practical information to be aware of if you are considering buying real estate in Portugal.

Climate in Portugal

Portugal boasts an incredible climate. Despite Portugal having a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, its climate closely resembles that of many Mediterranean countries. This translates to hot summers and temperate winters. While the north of Portugal can experience colder temperatures, the south of the country boasts high temperatures, even in winter, with averages of around 18 Degrees C (64 Degrees F). Coastal areas, such as the Silver Coast, never get unbearably hot in the summer months, due to the ocean breeze.

Public transportation in Portugal

With an affordable train network across the country, plus good bus connections, it is relatively easy to get around Portugal. Lisbon and Porto have extensive metro systems and a tram network. However, if you want to get off the beaten track or discover some of the less explored beaches, then it is best to have a car.

International schools in Portugal

Portugal has 51 international schools catering to a range of curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate, the American curriculum, and the British curriculum. Most of the international schools in the country are focused in Lisbon, Greater Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

Healthcare in Portugal

Portugal’s healthcare system is generally very good, ranking in the 23rd position in Numbeo’s 2025 Mid-Year Healthcare Index. While public healthcare is preferred by many, given its minimal costs and accessibility, many expats choose private healthcare for convenience, cutting down on waiting times. Private healthcare is also much more affordable compared with private healthcare in other European countries or in the USA.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Portugal’s real estate is widely sought after among expats and foreign investors, and it’s easy to see why. Portugal’s real estate prices ensure you can find something that fits your budget, while the country’s diverse landscape and various property types ensure your needs will be met. Whether you’re searching for a property in the coastal Algarve, Lisbon, or rural Alentejo, the perfect property awaits.

Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal. From sourcing your ideal property through to navigating the property purchase steps, we assist you throughout the buying process and beyond.

Contact the team at Goldcrest to access exclusive information on the property market in Portugal and learn how much you can save on your international investment.